In the Declaration of Independence, there is a line which states, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” (US Declaration Ind.) When applied to the argument of enacting smoking bans, this phrase is a weapon for both sides. However, when examining the detrimental effects that smoking has on a society, it is clear that a society that can do without smoking is a cleaner, healthier, and more productive society. It is then necessary to examine the enactment of a smoking ban and the effects thereof.
While some business owners, especially bar owners, claim that a smoking ban is bad for business and thus the economy, the truth is there are many good economical effects of a smoking ban. “Opponents of smoking bans in bars and restaurants rely on the argument that, if not allowed to smoke, many patrons would elect to either go where they can smoke or stay at home...In reality, however, the experience of New York, Florida and California have proven that smoking bans do not reduce (but rather increase) the volume of business in bars and restaurants.” (Paganelli, Puget Sound Business Journal) What is happening in this case is that people who would go to bars or restaurants that allow smoke, but had not previously due to smoking, are now going to these restaurants. It can be hypothesized that this is caused by the larger number of non-smoking Americans versus smoking Americans.
Not only would our smoke-free society be more productive, but it would also be much cleaner. Without smoking, there would be no waste from cigarette ash or butts. Air quality everywhere would improve and residue from smoke in cars, homes, and other buildings would stop accumulating.
In addition to being much cleaner, Americans as a whole would be much healthier.
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